Pre Combine Mock...

25 posts in this topic

This is the only one I'm going to do until after the Combine so here it goes....

General Manager: Dave Gettleman

I would prefer Ross, but he seems to be the much hotter name, and I don't like how long this seems to be taking so I think we take Gettleman instead of bidding against other teams for Ross. However, Gettleman is still a significant upgrade over Hurney or Beane...

Head Coach: Ron Rivera

Silence is a good thing for Ron Rivera's tenure in Charlotte. My thought is that Jerry tells Gettleman (or whoever the GM is) that Rivera is the coach in '13 and next offseason they have the power to make a change if they see fit.

Offensive Coordinator: Norv Turner

This is the one move to the staff I see happening. Norv is an excellent offensive coordinator, and a great teacher for young quarterbacks. A match made in heaven in my opinion.

Defensive Coordinator: Sean McDermott

McDermott has done nothing to lose his job, which is why I don't see him going anywhere.

Restructure Chris Gamble

Release/Trade DeAngelo Williams

Free Agency: mostly bargin bin shopping here, but there are a few guys worth mentioning that could be brought in.

CB: Sean Smith

This is a guy who I think makes a lot of sense if the money is right. He's a big, physical corner who would fit in nicely to this defense. He runs well, and plays well in run support. With bigger names like DRC and Grimes on the board Smith may not command enough money to put him out of our price range.

TE: Delanie Walker

Again, another guy who makes a lot of sense for this team. Shouldn't command too much money with guys like Jared Cook and Dustin Keller on the open market, and doesn't need to be the primary TE to be effective. He's a solid route runner, and his blocking is vastly underrated.

DT: Armond Armstead

I'll admit this is a bit of a homer pick, but he really intriques me. Former Trojan who played in the CFL last year. Armstead was forced away from football for a bit due to a heart condition, but in Toronto was able to play a full 23 game season, while leading his team in sacks and being selected to several CFL All Star teams. Could be a cheap bargin bin pickup that pays off big time for us.

Draft Picks: I'm not going to project a DeAngelo trade, though I could certainly see that as a possibility. For now though, I'm just going to stick with the picks we know.

First Round

Offensive Tackle Eric Fisher: Central Michigan

The no brainer pick of the draft in my opinion. If Fisher is on the board we need to take him. If the most important position on a team is the quarterback, then the second most should be the guy who protects his blind side. At 6'5 and just over 300 pounds Fisher has the ideal size for an elite LT. He possesses above average athleticism for the position, and is a sound run blocker and pass protector. We solidify the left side of our line for the next 10-15 years with this pick, and keep Cam happy by keeping him upright. This pick also allows us to move Jordan Gross over to RT to extend his career, and slide Byron Bell to RG. Or if the front office chooses, move on from Gross all together.

Second Round

Defensive Tackle Sharrif Floyd: University of Florida

One of my favorite prospects in the upcoming draft, Floyd is a first round talent at defensive tackle. The Panthers benefit from a loaded defensive lineman class and strike gold with this pick. Floyd is a disruptive tackle, who is extremely quick off the snap. He possesses exceptional strength, and good to great pass rushing moves at the position. The Panthers are able to solidify the trenches with their first two picks, which will greatly impact their chances to win games going forward.

Fourth Round

Free Safety D.J. Swearinger: University of South Carolina

Swearinger is a versatile safety who excels in coverage. He's a physical safety who isn't afraid to come up in run support, and has the ability to make open field tackles on a consistent basis. His coverage ability may be second to none in this draft, as shown by his ability to play corner in games against Clemson and Arkansas. Swearinger is a guy who would be able to play at a high level right away in this defense.

Fifth Round

Kicker Caleb Sturgis: University of Florida

The Panthers haven't had consistency in the kicking game since Panther great John Kasay left town. We address that in 2013 by taking the best kicker in the draft, and a guy who will be consistent for us for years.

Sixth Round

Running Back Theo Riddick: Notre Dame

As much as it pains me as a USC fan to make this pick, there is a definite need for a shifty back with DeAngelo's departure. Riddick is just that. He's an ideal change of pace back with great speed, and exceptional hands. He would also be a versatile weapon in the passing game due to his experience at WR prior to this year.

Undrafted Free Agents

Cornerback Corey Broomfield: Mississippi State

Defensive End Wes Horton: University of Southern California

Defensive Tackle Stacy McGee: Oklahoma

Punter Jackson Rice: University of Oregon

Quarterback Ryan Katz: San Diego State

Wide Receiver Russell Shepard: Louisiana State University

Wide Receiver Erik Highsmith: University of North Carolina

Offensive Guard Travis Bond: University of North Carolina

Notable Omissions: #1 Wide Receiver

Yes I know, no Smitty replacement in this mock. In an ideal situation I would love to have one, but the need at OT is just to big in my opinion to pass up Fisher for either Allen or Patterson. In the second, there could be valuable guys on the board like Rogers, and Woods, but I feel like Floyd will be the best defensive tackle from this draft outside of Star Lotulelei. Because of this, I'm passing on the second round wide receivers, and taking the guy who I think can solidify our defensive front for years.

There it is, I look forward to reading all of your comments and criticisms....

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

According to Pat Y we would free up more cap space if we just release gamble. But i would be happy with this mock.

We definitely would free up more money with an outright release, but I think Gamble still has value to us for the next few years. He's still an above average CB whereas I see Gross as a weakness at LT. My plan would most likely be to release Gross after drafting Fisher which saves a significant amount of cap room as well...

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I feel like we need help at WR, but I do like all these prospects in this mock. DJ Swearinger should not be available in round 4. Not a SC fan, but this guy is like Brian Dawkins 2.0 out there. I think he goes 2nd round.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

I feel like we need help at WR, but I do like all these prospects in this mock. DJ Swearinger should not be available in round 4. Not a SC fan, but this guy is like Brian Dawkins 2.0 out there. I think he goes 2nd round.

Right now he's listed as a third to fourth round prospect, he's a guy who could definitely benefit from a strong combine. If he wasn't there other options would be Duke Williams or Zeke Motta...